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Director of Special Education and Student Support Services Douglas Public Schools Special Education Department - Douglas, Massachusetts Job Details

Job ID:

5880479

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Immediately Job Description The Director of Special Education & Student Support Services provides district-wide leadership, advocacy, and oversight to ensure that all students, particularly students with disabilities and those requiring additional supports, have access to high-quality educational programs and services. The Director promotes high expectations for all students and develops, coordinates, and evaluates effective programs, services, and curricula designed to meet diverse learning needs in an inclusive, collaborative, educationally appropriate, and fiscally responsible manner. The Director oversees services for eligible students ages 3 through 22 and works closely with district and school leaders to ensure that programming is responsive to individual student needs while supporting the educational and operational priorities of Douglas Public Schools. Working collaboratively with the Superintendent, District Principals, special education administrators, educators, and related service providers, the Director provides leadership in the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of special education and student support programs. The Director identifies emerging student needs and works with staff to develop, enrich, and modify programs and services accordingly. The Director also provides leadership and oversight for the District's TEAM processes, including the identification, referral, evaluation, eligibility determination, and program planning processes for students receiving special education services. The Director ensures that the District's special education and student support practices comply with Douglas Public Schools policies and procedures, Massachusetts statutes and regulations, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements, and applicable federal laws and regulations. The Director serves as a district resource regarding special education, Section 504, homelessness, and individual student needs and serves as the District's Section 504 Coordinator and McKinney-Vento Liaison. The Director represents the District, as appropriate, in special education hearings, mediations, arbitration sessions, and other proceedings. The Director oversees the delivery of services specified in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including the work of District staff and contracted service providers. Responsibilities include oversight of out-of-district placements and special education transportation to ensure that student needs are appropriately addressed while maintaining responsible stewardship of District resources. The Director also oversees Early Childhood administration and ensures effective coordination of programs and services across the District. In partnership with building Principals and other District administrators, the Director assists with the recruitment, selection, placement, supervision, and evaluation of special education personnel. As appropriate, the Director participates in recommendations regarding professional teacher status and contract renewal for District staff, including special education administrators. The Director works with the Curriculum Director to coordinate professional learning, in-service workshops, and training opportunities related to special education, English learner services, homelessness, health, and other areas of student support. The Director maintains strong systems of accountability, documentation, and regulatory compliance. This includes overseeing the collection and reporting of required data; ensuring that student evaluation and program records are accurate, current, and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations; and compiling, maintaining, and filing reports and records required by DESE and other governmental agencies. The Director also writes, administers, and monitors special education and other applicable entitlement grants. Fiscal responsibility is an essential component of the position. Working closely with the Superintendent and Business & Operations Manager, the Director develops, prepares, administers, and monitors special education and student support budgets and budget requests. The Director ensures that programs and services are efficiently administered, educationally effective, and responsive to the fiscal constraints and priorities of the District. This includes monitoring staffing, contracted services, out-of-district placements, transportation, grants, and other expenditures associated with special education and student support services. Central to this role is the ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, educators, administrators, service providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The Director serves as an advocate for students while balancing individual needs, regulatory requirements, educational best practices, and the District's responsibility to provide sustainable and effective programs. Through collaborative leadership, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Director helps ensure that Douglas Public Schools provides equitable, inclusive, and high-quality opportunities for every student to succeed.

Position Type:

Full-time